Swalwell Praises Initial SJC Plans to Strengthen its Perimeter Security after Breach

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today released the following statement praising Mineta San Jose Airport's (SJC) steps to improve its perimeter security following the April breach by a teenager who was later able to stowaway in an airplane undetected. Swalwell is the only Northern California Member of the Homeland Security Committee.

"The stowaway incident at SJC revealed serious vulnerabilities in airport perimeter security that must be addressed immediately. That's why I have called for a pilot program to test technologies that will alert security officials the moment a perimeter is breached, so we can prevent someone wanting to do harm from accessing an aircraft.

"I applaud SJC's initial plans to review security procedures and opportunities for improvement, in particular its decision to work with the nonprofit and federally-funded Safe Skies Alliance to assess technology solutions to the challenge of perimeter security. I am committed to ensuring Safe Skies receives sufficient federal resources so it may continue its mission to protect air travel."